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Loneliness among boys and young men is a significant and growing issue, research finds

ended 15. June 2026

Boys and young men report high levels of loneliness despite often appearing socially connected, new research has found.

Loneliness is linked to poorer mental health, lower wellbeing and reduced life satisfaction.

The report challenges the stereotype that loneliness is primarily an issue affecting older people, highlighting young males as a key at-risk group.

Young men are not necessarily lacking friends, they are lacking meaningful connection. They often spend time together around activities, communicate through gaming or social media, but still report feeling emotionally isolated.

There has been a decline in youth clubs, sports facilities and community groups.

  • How can we solve loneliness among boys and young men?
  • Do you agree with the report's findings?
  • Why are young men and boys lonely despite having friends etc?

Responses today.

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Premium
Lee Chambers
CEO at Male Allies UK
There are a range of reasons boys feel lonely. In our recent research, 82% of boys said there are not enough physical spaces for them to connect. They have borne the brunt of 15 years of youth service cuts. 72% of boys said they don’t have more than one person who knows them really well, and in conversations they share friendships feel shallow, others are more interested in themselves and technology make it worse. Our latest research shows boys are turning to AI companions and girlfriends for some kind of connection, “someone” to listen, something they understands. Loneliness is not just a boy issue, it’s a bigger societal one. But we have to think about how we intentionally challenge this, as many things have been built to divide us, not to connect us.